Process Geomorphology

Geomorphology, the study of the Earth's landforms and surface processes that have formed them, have evolved rapidly over the past decades. Traditionally, this sub-discipline of geology was largely descriptive, with the shape and relationships of various landforms attributed to the interplay of tectonic and climatic forces. In the 1950-60s, scientists began to quantify the processes operating at different spatial and temporal scales, and the field of Process Geomorphology replaced the descriptive framework. A quantitative approach is now integrating regional structural framework, climatology, and biologically mediated (including anthropogenic) processes to generate predictive models of landscape change. This course will include applications of high-resolution near-surface geophysical method, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), to help visualize the subsurface aspects of landform analysis. Along with understanding the morphodynamic feedbacks based on sediment transport, this geophysical application will help integrate the active earth surface processes with antecedent conditions (paleo-landscape). Lecture material will be complemented with manuscript analysis and the course will culminate with a rigorous research-based term project.